Ohio AG rejects voter access proposal petition

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - An effort in Ohio that aims to guarantee certain voter protections in the state constitution has hit a snag.

The proposed amendment would expand early voting times on weekends and make other changes to election rules. It is supported by a coalition of black lawmakers, clergy and civil rights leaders.

Attorney General Mike DeWine rejected the petition for the proposed "Ohio Voters Bill of Rights" on Thursday, saying its summary was not a fair and truthful statement of the proposal.

DeWine must certify the summary's phrasing before supporters can continue with their ballot push and eventually collect signatures to get it before voters.

DeWine said he rejected the summary wording because it contained at least two misrepresentations regarding issues where the Ohio Constitution is pre-empted by federal law.

"We're not shocked or surprised, because with the climate of voting rights being under attack on a weekly basis in the Ohio General Assembly, we knew that this process would not be easy," said state Rep. Alicia Reece, D-Bond Hill, who is leading the effort to pass the voters' bill of rights.

The group plans to tweak its ballot language and gather more signatures this weekend.

"We plan to be back with the attorney general very soon," Reece said.

Chrissie Thompson contributed

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Ohio AG rejects voter access proposal petition

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) ? An effort in Ohio that aims to guarantee certain voter protections in the state constitution has hit a snag.